Patrick Mouratoglou believes that history may be against Serena Williams as she continues her quest for the elusive 24th Grand Slam title.
The legendary American has not played since losing to Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals of the Australian Open in February.
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Williams, 38, is set to return to the tour at the Italian Open, which will be her clay-court event. Her coach Mouratoglou is hoping for an intense three-week training block on clay before they hit the red dirt of Roland Garros.
Though it is unlikely that Williams will win the 2021 French Open to go level with Margaret Court’s all-time record of most number of Grand Slam titles, Mouratoglou believes Williams is getting closer to the goal.
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“Since becoming a mom, Serena has played four Grand Slam finals. The level is correct, we will say, but it is true that she does not win them anymore,” said Mouratoglou.
“There is a little history, in general. This history is an additional adversary. It’s a fact.”
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Since coming back from childbirth, Williams has reached the final of the US Open twice and Wimbledon twice but did not manage to win a single set in either of the matches.
“Everyone could see she was very sharp (in Melbourne),” he said.
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“Since having had her daughter, this was the moment when she was the most fit. It was a big disappointment that she was off her game against Naomi.
“There have been times when she had made semis or finals in Grand Slams where she was not completely ready, but she was in really good form there. So, yes, we are looking for the solution.”
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The French coach added that they were communicating on a daily basis and making sure she was continuing with her training.
“Communication between us is fluid. We saw that in Australia and it’s a very good example because I wasn’t able to be there for the preseason. We had fifteen ultra-efficient days together,” Mouratoglou added.
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“But we know each other by heart. I have daily reports of her sparring, she films workouts and sends them to me. It works well like that.”
